NDLEA busts Nigerian-Mexican meth lab in Enugu

The NDLEA says it has dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican drug network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The agency said two alleged operators, Chukwu Christopher, also known as Brown, and Chukwu Monday, also known as George, were arrested after months of surveillance across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said the suspects allegedly worked with Rodriguez Villanueva, described by the agency as a Mexican cartel member based in Mexico City. Uchenna, also known as Uche, and Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu were also named in the charge and remain at large.

The arrested suspects were arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu on a five-count charge covering conspiracy, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation, and unlawful possession of chemicals allegedly used to produce methamphetamine.

The agency said the site contained improvised reactors, distillation equipment and large volumes of chemicals, including methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, toluene, acetone and liquid sodium hydroxide. The court fixed October 21, 2026, for trial.

Sources: Daily Post, Channels Television, Vanguard